Cattle movement records Complete and check National Animal Identification and Tracing records, making sure they are up to date.

Read up on biosecurity and best practice Download and complete a biosecurity checklist

Disease control has been made particularly challenging for drought-affected farms needing to buy in feed and move cattle to temporary grazing. Farms are advised to keep stock movement records up to date, check the biosecurity and heath statuses of other farms and screen all vehicles.

How does it affect cows?

Untreatable mastitis in dairy and beef cows – antibiotics don’t work

Severe pneumonia in up to 30% of infected calves, starting as a hacking cough

Ear infections in calves, the first sign typically being one droopy ear, progressing to the second ear

Discharges and in some cases a head tilt

Abortions

Swollen joints and lameness (severe arthritis/synovitis) in all ages of cattle